Built in 1744

Mosul: Transforming a historic bathhouse to a traditional restaurant

2024-07-23 | 17:25

MOSUL — The Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Office, in collaboration with UNESCO, is set to reconstruct Mosul’s oldest standing bathhouse, “Hammam Al-Qalaa” (Castle Bath). Built in 1744 and located in the Maydan area, this historic site will be transformed into a traditional restaurant as part of the third phase of the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” project. The aim is to create a tourist attraction that showcases the city’s rich history.

The bathhouse, originally owned by the Al-Jalili family—rulers of Mosul from the early 18th century to the late 19th century and leaders in the Ottoman Janissary army—will be a focal point of riverfront development. The project also includes constructing a large mall and connecting the area to the Hosh Al-Bay’ah district, where the Al-Tahira Church has been reconstructed.

“Hammam Al-Qalaa is selected for reconstruction after several consultations. It is the oldest remaining bath among dozens that Mosul was famous for,” Faris Abdul Sattar, a consulting engineer and heritage researcher, told 964media.

The bathhouse, covering an area of 1,800 square meters, was once a private bath for the Al-Jalili family, connected by a tunnel to their houses before becoming public. It is the only public bath in Mosul that has retained its original form. Built by Obaid Agha Jalili, it remained operational until maintenance difficulties and outdated heating methods led to its closure.

“The site’s function will be transformed from a bathhouse to a traditional restaurant because the idea of using a heritage bath is no longer common,” explained Abdul Sattar. UNESCO agreed to this transformation, aiming to maintain the spirit of the place while repurposing it for modern use. “It will play a role in introducing the history of the site,” he added.

Public baths, or hammams, were integral to the social and cultural life of the Islamic world, essential for personal cleanliness and religious practices. Hammams became a cornerstone of Islamic societies, with Mosul being no exception. The city, one of the world’s oldest, has been a strategic crossing point for thousands of years, hosting a diverse population and serving as a commercial hub.

During the Islamic State’s control from 2014 to 2017, Mosul suffered extensive damage, with heritage sites destroyed and religious landmarks vandalized. The “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, launched by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in February 2018, aims to rebuild these heritage sites and empower residents through culture and education.

“This site is one of the targets in the third phase of the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ project, which will be run by UNESCO in cooperation with the Nineveh Antiquities, to be open to the public. It will be connected to the fish market and the riverfront in the future,” said Nadia Saad, head of the bath reconstruction team.

By converting Hammam Al-Qalaa into a traditional restaurant, the project aims to preserve Mosul’s historical essence while providing a new cultural and tourist destination. This initiative reflects a broader effort to rebuild and revitalize the city’s heritage, ensuring that its rich history is not forgotten but celebrated and integrated into its future.